Lincoln MKZ Reliability and Common Problems

The Lincoln MKZ is a midsize luxury sedan that is, by all means, a quick and comfortable cruiser. However, the model has a few quirks and common issues that hurt its reliability score. Because of this, a Lincoln MKZ is projected to depreciate by 32% over five years, which is higher than most midsize sedans made by other manufacturers like Honda or Toyota.

The Lincoln MKZ has been in production since 2006. In this article, we’ll discuss the common problems that the Lincoln MKZ tends to encounter and its overall reliability across its fifteen-year history.

Is the Lincoln MKZ Reliable?

The Lincoln MKZ gets an average score of 3.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal. Among the 31 luxury midsize sedans in the segment, the MKZ is 20th in terms of predicted reliability. They approximate that the average owner of an MKZ will spend around $831 and visit the shop 0.6 times a year for unscheduled repairs.

Withclutch.com also gives the Lincoln MKZ a frequency score of 1.71. The score illustrates how frequently the MKZ requires maintenance. Given the industry average of 1.3, the score implies that the MKZ is substantially worse than the average. However, newer models of the Lincoln MKZ are showing signs that they are more reliable than their older counterparts. This is based on which models had the most common problems in this list, as well as the data from CarComplaints.com. The first-generation of the Lincoln MKZ, which ran from 2006 to 2012, seems to have the most problems.

Lincoln MKZ Common Problems

The Lincoln MKZ has gotten an average reliability score, which means it is held back by a number of common problems that owners are encountering.

Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems

The automatic transmission of the 2007 to 2017 Lincoln MKZ may develop the tendency to shift harshly. One owner reports that the shifts can become so harsh that it feels like the car is being rear-ended by another vehicle. Most owners report just being frustrated because the gaps between shifts are too long. There are more than 200 owners who have reported this problem in RepairPal. Harshness and gaps seem to occur during acceleration and deceleration, and the most common gears to have this issue are the first to third gears.

According to RepairPal, fixing the issue involves upgrading the software in the powertrain control module (PCM) and the transmission control module (TCM). However, on higher mileage vehicles, internal transmission damage can occur as a result of the stress the transmission has already experienced. Repairing the damage could involve replacing the valve body or even a complete transmission rebuild, which can be quite expensive. It has to be noted that whenever repairs on the transmission are made, the PCM and the TCM have to be updated with the latest firmware to help prevent these issues from happening again.

Premature Dashboard Wear

Several owners have reported that bubbles appeared on their dashboard, causing the material to loosen and unwrap. The model with the most reports for this issue is the 2007 one. This particular issue seems to happen most commonly under the front windshield, right where the front windshield vent is located. Many owners blame Lincoln because they believe this issue shouldn’t happen if the company invested in better materials and manufacturing methods like other brands.

Owners were even more frustrated because this issue wasn’t covered by the vehicle’s optional extended warranty. Repairing the issue leaves owners to go to an upholstery shop and have the leather interior replaced there.

Power Steering Fluid Leak

The 2007 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012 models of the Lincoln MKZ may develop power steering fluid leaks somewhere in the power steering system. Most owners discover the issue when either they see a pool of power steering fluid under their vehicle or when they hear whining noises coming from their power steering pump.

According to RepairPal, the leak typically originates from an insufficiently clamped hose between the power steering pump or steering gear. Adding new clamps and seals to the faulty hose fixes the issue.

Trunk Lid Not Latching Properly

Another small but common issue with the Lincoln MKZ is that the trunk lid refuses to latch. As a result, the trunk won’t make a proper seal, potentially allowing moisture and water to get into the trunk. To repair the issue, owners have to replace their trunk latch assembly. This affects 2007 to 2014 Lincoln MKZ models.

Chrome Peeling Off Wheels

Several 2008 Lincoln MKZ owners have reported that the chrome from their wheels has been peeling. This compromises the seal of the tires, causing them to lose pressure. It only takes a year for Lincoln’s stock wheels to have this problem, which infuriates owners because Lincoln is supposed to be a refined luxury brand. As a result of the flaking chrome, owners have to put air in their tires every week or two, which becomes a chore. To fix the issue, owners had to replace their wheels.

Unintended Acceleration

Three owners have reported that their 2007 Lincoln MKZ suddenly accelerated even when the brakes were fully engaged. Three owners all report narrowly avoiding a disastrous accident by either pulling the handbrake or steering the vehicle somewhere clear of people and property.

This problem is quite mystifying because, amidst the three reported instances, they were not able to replicate the problem, and hence they could not identify what component was to blame.

Brake Failure

There have been 22 reports of brake failure occurring in the Lincoln MKZ according to the NHTSA. Owners report different experiences concerning how their brakes failed. A few owners report pressing the brake pedal and finding that braking power has severely faded. The brake pedal would be pressed to the floor, and only then would the vehicle begin to slow down.

An investigation initiated by the NHTSA in 2016 found that the Lincoln MKZ suffered from a faulty ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU). A valve inside the HCU may stick in the open position, which results in the brake pedal having a longer travel distance. This can surprise drivers and result in a crash. The remedy was to replace the control unit and to switch from a DOT 3 to a DOT4 brake fluid.

If you’re still not sure on whether you should get a used Lincoln MKZ, we hope knowing about these common issues can inform your decision. No car is without its common issues, but learning about the experience of other drivers can help you decide on whether the car is worth it or not. Knowing about these common problems can also help you look out for them to prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Keep Your Lincoln MKZ Running Reliably With OE-Grade Parts

Your Lincoln MKZ can develop issues with its power steering pump. This can cause leaking power steering fluid, which can eventually worsen into a lack of power steering. Driving without power steering is unsafe. Hence, you should try to fix this issue as soon as possible.

Need a new Lincoln MKZ power steering pump? Look no further because CarParts.com is a one-stop shop when it comes to aftermarket replacement parts. Aside from power steering pumps, we also offer a wide range of parts that have passed the highest quality control standards from the most reputable names in the industry. Our parts are made from only the best materials available, so you’re sure that they’re built to last. 

Find the right Lincoln MKZ part by entering its year model into our vehicle selector. This will narrow down our catalog to compatible parts for your car. It only takes a few clicks to place your order and a few days to receive it. 

Our CarParts.com team is committed to giving our valued customers the best prices available, which is why our products come with a lifetime replacement and low-price guarantee. 
Check out our Lincoln MKZ power steering pumps and other Lincoln MKZ components and shop for the part you need today!